If you are a Samsung Washer owner experiencing an issue with the NF error code, it means that your washer cannot fill with water for some reason. There are multiple potential causes behind this problem which can make diagnosing and fixing it yourself a headache.
So in this article, I’m going to explain all the reasons why this error code might occur and how you can get it fixed up and restore your washer to working order.
Causes of Samsung Washer NF Code
The NF code stands for no fill, meaning that water can’t make it into your washer. This may be caused by something like a blockage or an issue with your home’s water supply system.
Let’s first look at all the main causes behind this error code so you can better diagnose what’s happening with your washer.
1. Home Water Supply isn’t Switched On
While this might seem obvious, it’s easy to overlook, especially if you’ve recently had plumbing work done on your house, and you may have forgotten to re-open the water supply valves.
So you will need to inspect and ensure both the hot and cold water valves are fully opened so the washer can receive enough water.
2. The Water Pressure is Low
Even if both of your water taps are fully opened, if there isn’t enough water pressure, your washer is still not going to be able to receive enough water to fill properly. You’ll need to double-check and potentially increase your home’s water pressure.
3. The Water Inlet Screens are Clogged
Water inlet screens are small mesh filters inside the connection point between the inlet hoses and the washer. They are designed to filter out any unwanted pieces of debris in the water supply to ensure the water used to clean your clothes is as clean as possible.
However, over time these screens may become so blocked that they prevent water from being able to flow into the washer, resulting in the NF error code. You’ll need to remove and clean the inlet screens.
4. The Water Inlet Valve is Broken
The water inlet valve opens and closes to allow or block off the supply of water as needed to maintain the correct water level during a wash cycle.
However, sometimes these inlet valves may become faulty and break, meaning they will stay closed and not be able to let water flow into the washer. You’ll need to test the inlet valve with a multimeter; if it’s found to be faulty, it will need to be replaced.
5. There’s a Kink in the Water Hose
If there is a kink in the water supply hoses, then it will dramatically impede the speed at which the water can make it to the washer.
You’ll need to check that the hoses aren’t kinked, pinched, or blocked to ensure enough water can flow into the washer.
6. The Control Board is Faulty
The control board is responsible for controlling the various components inside the washer. So as you can imagine, if this runs into problems, it may cause other components, such as the water inlet valve, to not operate properly.
As the control board is inherently difficult to diagnose and fix on a component level, the usual course of action is just to replace the whole board with a new one.
7. The Washer’s been Overloaded
Samsung recommends not loading the washer drum more than 75% full on a single wash cycle to ensure there is still enough room left for the clothes to agitate and enough water/detergent to be added to the wash cycle.
If the washer’s been overfilled, there won’t be enough room left for the water, triggering the NF error code. You’ll need to adjust the volume of clothes you are washing and potentially run a second wash cycle so there’s enough room left for the washer to fill with water.
How to Fix Samsung Washer NF code
As you can see, this error code is most commonly caused by something impeding the supply of water heading into the washer. This may be as simple as a blocked-up, pinched hose or a failure requiring replacement.
Here are the methods you should take to restore your washer to working order.
1. Turn your Home’s Water Supply On
Your home’s water supply may be turned off, or you may have accidentally forgotten to turn it on. So the first thing to do is switch it back on.
Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve and turn it to the on position (counterclockwise). You can test if this works correctly by turning on your home’s faucets/shower heads.
If, for any reason, water is still not coming out even though you’re positive the shut-off valve is switched on, it may indicate either a water issue in your local area or a more serious issue with your home’s plumbing. In this case, you should contact a local plumber for assistance.
2. Increase your Home’s Water Pressure
If your water pressure is too low, even though the water supply is technically working, it may not have enough pressure to open the water inlet valve.
The exact pressure you need will vary from model to model, but most washers require a minimum pressure of 20 psi to operate correctly. If your home has a pressure regulator valve, you may wish to increase the pressure a little.
If this doesn’t work, it may point to a mineral deposit or sediment clog in your water system. Again, you will need to have a plumber address this problem.
3. Clean the Water Inlet Screens
If the mesh screen that filters out debris becomes clogged up, water won’t be able to flow into the machine. So you’ll need to clean them out.
- Start by turning off the power supply to the washer and locate the water inlet valve, usually placed at the back of the machine.
- Disconnect the two hoses from the water inlet valves; you may wish to have a towel or small bowl to hand as some residual water will inevitably come out.
- Take a pair of pliers and gently pull the two water inlet screens out.
- Take them over to the sink and rinse them under running water to remove the built-up debris. If the blockage is particularly stubborn, clean it with dish soap and a soft brush.
- Then you can just re-install the filters, reattach the hoses, turn the washer back on, and test it for functionality.
4. Replace the Faulty Water Inlet Valve
You should first test the water inlet valves for functionality using a multimeter. It will need to be replaced if it’s found to be non-functional.
- Turn off the power to the washer and unplug it.
- Disconnect the two water inlet hoses from the water inlet valve on the back of the machine.
- Unclip or unscrew the water inlet valve. The old valve can just be discarded.
- Take the new inlet valve, put it in place, and secure it.
- Reconnect the hoses.
- Start the washing machine back up and test it for functionality.
5. Unkink the Water Inlet Hose
A kinked water supply hose will stop water from properly flowing into the machine. You’ll need to pull the washer away from the wall and visually inspect the hoses for sharp bends, kinks, or pinch points that may impede water flow.
Straighten the hoses out and then carefully push the washing machine back into place, being mindful not to re-introduce new kinks into the water hose as you do so.
6. Replace the Control Board
As the control panel is a highly complex component and is very difficult to diagnose and fix, the usual course of action is just to replace the entire board.
As this is very difficult to do by yourself, the recommended course of action is to contact Samsung customer support, who will arrange for a technician to assist you with this installation.
7. Don’t Overload the Washer
If you overfill the washer drum, there won’t be enough room left for the water, which will cause the NF code to appear.
Ideally, the washer shouldn’t be filled over 75% for a single wash cycle, so if yours is full, the best solution is to pause the wash cycle, remove some of the clothes, and wash them separately. While this will use more water and detergent, ultimately, it will result in a cleaner wash.
Preventing Samsung Washer NF Error Code
Now that the issue’s been fixed, it’s essential to follow these few easy steps to ensure it doesn’t return again. Clean the inlet filter intermittently to ensure the buildup doesn’t get so severe that it impedes the water flow.
It’s also a good idea to run a self-cleaning wash cycle every few weeks. This is a selectable wash cycle type specifically designed to run without clothes in the washer. It helps flush the system through, ensures no debris buildup, accumulates, and grows into a blockage.
If you don’t have this wash cycle option, you can just pick the hottest and longest wash cycle option your washer model has and run it without any detergent or clothes inside for a close equivalency.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
